10 German words with no English translation (but we should borrow them)
Almost everyone learning foreign languages knows how complicated English translation can be. Some words simply do not have a direct equivalent.
Here are ten unique German expressions with no English translation, but I am convinced we should use them more often in other languages. Wenn du mehr auf Deutsch lesen möchtest, kannst du hier weiterlesen..
1. Der Dornröschenschlaf – “Sleeping Beauty sleep”
This refers to a very deep sleep, where you are compared to the fairytale princess Sleeping Beauty. A happily ever after is not guaranteed, but everyone feels better after a good rest.
2. Das Fernweh – “Far sickness”
Unlike Wanderlust, which is well known in English, Fernweh describes an intense longing to travel far away. It is the opposite of homesickness. If you stay in one place too long, you feel almost physical pain.
3. Der Futterneid – “Food envy”
That awful moment when someone at the table orders better food than you. You sit there, jealous, because their meal looks so much tastier than yours.
4. Der Glückspilz – “Lucky mushroom”
A Glückspilz is someone who seems always lucky, whether in career, love or life. It might be annoying, but we all know that one person who never seems to have bad luck.
5. Die Götterspeise – “Food of the gods”
Literally meaning “food of the gods”, this refers to delicious desserts. In Germany, it is also known as Wackelpudding (wobbly jelly), and the green Waldmeister flavour is especially popular.
6. Der Ohrwurm – “Earworm”
An annoyingly catchy song that gets stuck in your head for days. You can almost imagine a tiny insect humming inside your ear until you hear something new.
7. Die Torschlusspanik – “Gate closing panic”
This originally meant the fear of being locked out after a city’s gates closed at night. Today, it describes the stress of missed opportunities, midlife crises or the fear of running out of time to achieve your goals.
8. Die Vergangenheitsbewältigung – “Coming to terms with the past”
A long but meaningful word, it refers to the process of dealing with history, often used in discussions about Germany’s efforts to reflect on the past.
9. Verschlimmbessern – “To make things worse while trying to improve them”
Ever tried to fix something, only to make it worse? That is Verschlimmbessern, when your efforts at improvement completely backfire.
10. Der Weltschmerz – “World pain”
A feeling of melancholy and existential sadness, often caused by realising the world is not as perfect as you had hoped.
Language shapes how we feel
Whether you are experiencing Weltschmerz, Torschlusspanik or Fernweh, these German expressions remind us that some emotions cannot be summed up in one English word. They highlight the limits of English translation and the power of language to express what we feel.
Some concepts are impossible to translate neatly into English, but that is what makes them special. By learning words like these, we expand not only our vocabulary but also our cultural understanding. If you would like to improve your English communication skills, check out this guide on learning English fast with an English coach.
